ruben ramirez reports from new jersey. >> reporter: christmas trees and holiday decorations were not on anyone's list as customers tried to stock up on supplies ahead of hurricane sandy's landfall here in new jersey. >> the big demand is generators, sand, tarps, rope, bungee cords gas cans, basically anything you can use to help prepare yourself for the storm. >> reporter: with as many as 10 million people predicted to lose electricity, light and power were what last-minute shoppers were after. >> they're buying all of the flashlights, d batteries to go along with the flashlights, lanterns. >> reporter: today's business comes as the stores have benefited this year from a pick- up in the housing market. but, with winds and rain already picking up speed, people wanted to be sure items they were looking for were in stock before they left home. >> people have been calling. the phones have been going crazy quite honestly. people want to know if we've got it coming in. >> tom: there was some economic news today. american consumers saved less money, and spent more in september. consumer spe